A similar circumstance has been proposed with the secession of Chicago from Illinois since over a half of the population of Illinois resides in the metropolitan area. A variation of this was called Chiwaukee, which would be the strip of land from Milwaukee down to Gary, Indiana.Historically, it was possible that the counties of southern Oregon and northern California might have seceded from their respective states to form a new "State of Jefferson". Jefferson would have been the 49th state, making Alaska and Hawaii the 50th and 51st when they became states in 1959.

Similar junctions have attempted to take place in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which some wish to secede (sometimes along with adjoining counties of northern Wisconsin) in order to make a state called "Superior"."

I'm in total agreement with you, Dave. States should have interesting shapes. I mean, just look at Colorado and Wyoming -- a pair of vapid, characterless rectangles. And don't think North Dakota's winning any prizes in aesthetics either. What the hell were their founders thinking? If I lived within the borders of such geographic monotony, I'd need a handful of Ecstasy just to pull myself out of bed and check the mailbox.

Give me artfully shaped states like Alaska, Maryland, and East Mississippi.

Pat, why stop at a state flag featuring a giant foot? Just cut to the chase and have a state foot. "Superior" deserves to be the first in the Union with a state foot -- a colossal metatarsus that can rule the United States with an iron ankle. And emblazon that ankle with an intimidating state motto. I suggest Nos quidnam protero.

That'll keep those Arkansans and their creatine-guzzling mockingbird in line...